Hillside Church Annual Report 2021-22 This report covers the period 1[st] September 2021 to 31[st] August 2022[1]
Charity Name Hillside Church Charity Ref 1183957 Charity Address 37 Worple Road Wimbledon London SW19 4JZ Charity Trustees Philip Cockerill Nigel Eager Martin Green Fiona Ng Susanna Thomas Governance Hillside Church is a CIO Foundation, registered with the Charity Commission since 18[th] June 2019.
This report covers the activities of Hillside Church over the period 1[st] September 2021 to 31[st] August 2022[2] .
1 Hillside Church uses the reporting period 'September to August'. This is based on historic precedent. Prior to formal registration with the Charity Commission in June 2019, Hillside Church had operated for many years using this financial period.
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1. Objectives
The objects of Hillside Church are set out in the charity’s trust deed and are summarised as follows.
To advance the Christian faith for the public benefit in accordance with the statement of beliefs and practices in Wimbledon, the United Kingdom and the world.
2. Strategy
Our approach to meeting the objectives is as follows:
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Church services are held every Sunday morning. These include provision for adults and children.
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A wellbeing space open every Tuesday.
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We communicate with our church community through regular email messages which provide news, prayer points, teaching and series meditating on the Bible.
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We maintain a website and use social media including Facebook and Instagram.
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We have special events throughout the year, in particular at key dates in the Christian calendar.
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We work with other local churches and charities on social responsibility projects.
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We hire the church building for use by a broad range of local charities, arts and sports clubs and small businesses.
3. Achievements and Performance
2021-22 was a time of change for Hillside Church. As government restrictions in relation to COVID-19 were lifted, we considered how we should return to normal activities. We consulted attendees to understand vulnerabilities and attitudes to meeting in person. Our approach was phased and careful, taking localised risks into consideration.
Worship, Teaching, Prayer and Community
Meeting together to worship and learn is of core importance to our church community. From Sept 2021 to Jan 2022, we used a hybrid approach, usually meeting in person on a Sunday, whilst maintaining an online presence. In January 2022, we returned to weekly, in-person meetings.
Our Sunday services are informal gatherings with a strong focus on inclusion for all. All ages meet to worship through music, reflect on Bible teachings from our pastor and pray for one another, the local community and the world. We encourage attendees to share their own experiences and insights.
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We recognise the value of meeting together informally to build a supportive community. We spent time socialising over coffee, cake and biscuits. Here friendships are formed. We create a safe space where achievements are celebrated, and struggles are acknowledged and shared. We provide prayer support to those who want it.
During this period, we explored what people wanted from the church community, experimenting with a range of approaches, and seeking feedback. The new approach of a Café style church was implemented in 2022/23.
Wellbeing Space
In Oct 2021 we started a weekly Wellbeing Café, in partnership with national charity Renew Wellbeing[3] . The café space is a quiet, safe and inclusive place. Our aim is to improve mental and emotional wellbeing. We use the Renew approach of “being prayerful, being present and being in partnership”.
The café is run in partnership with the local community including awareness from the local council. On Tuesdays, people gather to play games and socialise. Attached to the café is a prayer space where spiritual habits of wellbeing are shared.
This new venture has been well received and is attended by regulars along with one off drop ins. This has opened the church to a range of people including those not seeking a ‘church service’. Through the café we’ve identified needs in the community and have been able to assist people in crisis.
Local Networks
We’ve maintained strong links with other local churches and charities. We work at times with the Wimbledon YMCA, Merton Foodbank, Street Pastors, Grow Baby, Love All Serve All and Christians Against Poverty. This is important for us as a small, independent church. It enables people to get involved with community activities which Hillside is not directly responsible for delivering.
Events
Our main event in 2021/22 was a Christmas Celebration where we saw the welcome return of the Singology Choir. Having missed in person Christmas events in 2020 due to COVID, this was a high energy event which was enjoyed by many.
Pastoral support
Hillside’s pastor provides pastoral care to the church community. He also has extended his strong connections with local hospitals.
4. Community Activities
3 Registered charity 1173963
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Our building consists of two halls and several smaller rooms which are a valuable resource to the local community. A range of activities regularly take place including:
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A Korean Church that holds services and prayer meetings
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Therapy and addiction support groups including Alcoholics Anonymous, Obsessive-compulsive disorder support.
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Dementia support group
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Ukrainian refugee support group
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Private psychotherapy
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Sports clubs for children
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Choirs, music and dance groups
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An artists’ group
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Academic examinations
5. Financial Review
Overview
Total income in unrestricted funds for the period 1[st] September 2021 to 31[st] August 2022 was £62,052. The main sources of income were rental income (£53,151) from groups renting rooms and giving (£7,210). The COVID pandemic has had a significant impact on income. By September 2021, government restrictions had been lifted but people were still cautious about meeting together. This had an impact on the church’s income. Over the year (to August 2022) we were able to build the church’s income streams but they remain lower than pre-pandemic levels.
Reserves Policy
Our reserves policy is to hold the equivalent of three months’ income in our account. This would currently equate to approximately £15,000. Our reserves at 31[st] August 2022 were less than £7,000. We recognise that whilst this an improvement since the challenges of the COVID-19 period, we need to strengthen our reserves.
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Staff
We employ one pastor on a full time, permanent contract. The church has been successful retaining our pastor who returned to full time duties in 2021/22 after the government’s furlough scheme had drawn to a close.
Self-employed staff provide cleaning, maintenance and administrative services on an as needed basis.
Volunteers
The work of Hillside Church would not be possible without the support of volunteers who organise events, manage finances, make music, clean the building, teach children, make refreshments and do many other things. We’re grateful to everyone who provides support to creating a wonderful church community.
6. Governance
The charity trustees are responsible for the general control and management of the charity. The trustees give their time freely and receive no remuneration or other financial benefits.
The trustees meet as a broader Leadership Team which includes the pastor and people appointed to positions of leadership in the church (e.g. worship leader). In addition to the Leadership Team meetings, the trustees also meet at least annually for a Trustees Meeting.
The existing trustees are responsible for the appointment of new trustees but in doing so they seek views and recommendations of the pastor and other leaders in the church. In selecting trustees, we seek to identify individuals with a Christian faith who agree with our statement of beliefs, who regularly attend church events and who are willing to volunteer to serve the local community.
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Hillside Church Statement of Financial Activities for year ending 31st August 2022
Financial Reporting Period
Hillside Church uses the financial reporting period 'September to August'. This is based on historic precedent. Prior to formal registration with the Charity Commission in June 2019, Hillside Church had operated for many years using this financial period. The period was maintained following our registration in order to maintain consistency and ensure that there was no gap in reporting periods.
Income
| 2020-21 | 2021-22 | |
| Giving | ||
| Gift aided giving (unrestricted) | £7,140 | £7,210 |
| Non-Gift aided giving (unrestricted) | £840 | £400 |
| Non-Gift aided giving (restricted) | - | - |
| Events giving (non gift aid) | - | - |
| Gift Aid Tax refund (HMRC) | - | - |
| Rental | ||
| Room Rental | £14,751 | £53,151 |
| Other | ||
| HMRC furlough grant | £18,431 | £1,291 |
| Refunds | - | - |
| Bank interest | - | - |
| TOTAL | £41,162 | £62,052 |
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Expenditure
| 2020-21 | 2021-22 | |
| People | ||
| Payroll | £28,331 | £31,184 |
| Pension | £1,796 | £1,796 |
| Caretaker | £2,100 | £2,235 |
| Building Manager | - | £3,216 |
| Expenses | - | £4,279 |
| Property | ||
| Council Tax | £2,225 | £2,126 |
| Electricity | £128 | £384 |
| Gas | £100 | £1,528 |
| Ground Rent | - | £300 |
| Water Rate | £691 | £855 |
| Carpet Cleaning | - | £600 |
| Insurance | £1,244 | £1,443 |
| Deposit refund | £100 | £300 |
| Subscriptions/CIC Membership | £312 | £492 |
| Broadband & Phone | £353 | £470 |
| Mortgage | - | £6,171 |
| Repairs & Maintenance | £295 | £404 |
| Refuse | £208 | £529 |
| New Assets | - | £360 |
| Events | ||
| Events | - | £330 |
| Other | ||
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| Bank charges | - | - |
|---|---|---|
| DBS | £181 | £178 |
| Total | £38,065 | £59,180 |
| Income minus expenditure | £3,097 | £2,872 |
Statement of Assets
| 31 Aug 2021 | 31 Aug 2022 | |
| Current Assets | ||
| Current Account | £3,687 | £6,559 |
| Deposit Account | £57 | £57 |
| Cash in Hand | £48 | £48 |
| Uncleared Cheques | - | - |
| Total | £3,792 | £6,664 |
| Change in Balance | £2,872 | |
| Income minus Expenditure | £2,872 | |
| Discrepancy | £0 |
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Statement of Fixed Assets[4]
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Hillside Church owns a 2/3rds share of the church building at 37 Worple Road, Wimbledon, London, SW19 4JZ
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Insured value of property = £1,530,000
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(The other ⅓ is owned by the Church Growth Trust Ltd, charity ref 1138119)
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Hillside Church owns 62% share (at Aug 2022) in the manse house property at 18 Sandbourne Avenue, London, SW19 3EN.The total (100%) value of the property is approximately £900,000.
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The property is shared ownership with five private owners. The share is calculated based on Hillside Church and other owners’ investments at purchase and subsequent investments in the improvement of the property.
Statement of Liabilities
As of 31st August 2022, Hillside Church had the following liabilities, totalling £26,912.94
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Mortgage remaining on manse property, 18 Sandbourne Avenue = £478.08
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Outstanding legal fees = £23,334.56
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Outstanding maintenance costs = £3,100
4 31 Aug 2022
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Hillside Church Statement of Accounts for year ending 31st August 2022
Financial Reporting Period
Hillside Church uses the financial reporting period 'September to August'[1] .
Income
| 2020-21 | 2021-22 | |
| Giving | ||
| Gift aided giving (unrestricted) | £7,140 | £7,210 |
| Non-Gift aided giving (unrestricted) | £840 | £400 |
| Non-Gift aided giving (restricted) | - | - |
| Events giving (non gift aid) | - | - |
| Gift Aid Tax refund (HMRC) | - | - |
| Rental | ||
| Room Rental | £14,751 | £53,151 |
| Other | ||
| HMRC furlough grant | £18,431 | £1,291 |
| Refunds | - | - |
| Bank interest | - | - |
| TOTAL | £41,162 | £62,052 |
1 This is based on historic precedent. Prior to formal registration with the Charity Commission in 2019, Hillside Church had operated for many years using this financial period. The period was maintained following our registration in order to maintain consistency and ensure that there was no gap in reporting periods.
1
Expenditure
| 2020-21 | 2021-22 | |
| People | ||
| Payroll | £28,331 | £31,184 |
| Pension | £1,796 | £1,796 |
| Caretaker | £2,100 | £2,235 |
| Building Manager | - | £3,216 |
| Expenses | - | £4,279 |
| Property | ||
| Council Tax | £2,225 | £2,126 |
| Electricity | £128 | £384 |
| Gas | £100 | £1,528 |
| Ground Rent | - | £300 |
| Water Rate | £691 | £855 |
| Carpet Cleaning | - | £600 |
| Insurance | £1,244 | £1,443 |
| Deposit refund | £100 | £300 |
| Subscriptions/CIC Membership | £312 | £492 |
| Broadband & Phone | £353 | £470 |
| Mortgage | - | £6,171 |
| Repairs & Maintenance | £295 | £404 |
| Refuse | £208 | £529 |
| New Assets | - | £360 |
| Events | ||
| Events | - | £330 |
| Other | ||
2
| Bank charges | - | - |
|---|---|---|
| DBS | £181 | £178 |
| Total | £38,065 | £59,180 |
| Income minus expenditure | £3,097 | £2,872 |
Statement of Assets
| 31 Aug 2021 | 31 Aug 2022 | |
| Current Assets | ||
| Current Account | £3,687 | £6,559 |
| Deposit Account | £57 | £57 |
| Cash in Hand | £48 | £48 |
| Uncleared Cheques | - | - |
| Total | £3,792 | £6,664 |
| Change in Balance | £2,872 | |
| Income minus Expenditure | £2,872 | |
| Discrepancy | £0 |
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Statement of Fixed Assets[2]
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Hillside Church owns a 2/3rds share of the church building at 37 Worple Road, Wimbledon, London, SW19 4JZ
-
Insured value of property = £1,530,000
-
(The other ⅓ is owned by the Church Growth Trust Ltd, charity ref 1138119)
-
Hillside Church owns 62% share (at Aug 2022) in the manse house property at 18 Sandbourne Avenue, London, SW19 3EN.The total (100%) value of the property is approximately £900,000.
-
The property is shared ownership with five private owners. The share is calculated based on Hillside Church and other owners’ investments at purchase and subsequent investments in the improvement of the property.
Statement of Liabilities
As of 31st August 2022, Hillside Church had the following liabilities, totalling £26,912.94
-
Mortgage remaining on manse property, 18 Sandbourne Avenue = £478.08
-
Outstanding legal fees = £23,334.56
-
Outstanding maintenance costs = £3,100
2 31 Aug 2022
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CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLM4D AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustees1 mèmbers of Cttaiily NLime Hillside Churth On accounts for the year ended 31 August 2022 Chaiity no (rf any) 1183957 Set out on pages {remember lo Includi Ihe page num1$ ol addilional sheets) I report to the trustees on my exaMIrt>n of the accounts of the aboye chaiity (Yhe Trusf) ts the year ended 31 December 2022 As Ihe chall$ trustees. you are rnsponsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan with the requirements of the ChaTities Act 2011 (e Acr). Responsibilities and basis of rnport I report in sPeCt of my examination of the Trusfs accounts carried out under section 145 of Ihe 2011 Act and in ca1ng out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Secti 145{5){b) of the Act Independent I have completed my examination. I confjm that no material matters have examinerfs statement come to my attention in connection with the examination (other Ihan Ihat disdosed below") whith gives me cause to believe that in. any material respecL the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act. or the accounts did not a¢¢ord with the accounting records; or Ihe accounts did rK)t c(¥nply with the applicable requirements conMing the fom content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any quIrernent that the accounts give a Irue and fairf view vthich is not a matter considered as part of an indeperthnt examinatio I have no concems and have come across no olher matters in Connection with the examination to vthich attention shcrtjld be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the aco)unts to be reached. . Please delete wonts in the bckets rfthey cb not aPy. Slgned: Date: 13 June 2023 Name: Charles J Hazle Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (rf any): Address: Meadow Vale 109 Main Street Bonby